Airship.



0. P. OSTERGRBN.

AIRSHIP.

APPLICATION FILED 111111.11911.

1,000,035. Patented Aug. 8, 1911.

5 SHEETS-SHBET 1.

Suva/nto@ @fear afeayrn,

/ fv MM 0. P. OSTERGREN.

AIBSHIP. Y APPLICATION FILED MAR.7, 1911.

Patented Aug. 8, 1911.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

0. P. OSTERGRBN.

AIRSHIP.

1,000,035. Patented Aug. 8,1911.

5 SHEETS-SHEETS.

0. P. OSTERGRBN.

AIRSHIP,

APPLICATION FILED 11AR.7,1911.

1,000,035. Patented Aug. 8, 1911.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

O. P. OSTERGRBN.

AIRSHIP.

APPLICATION FILED MAR.7,1911.

Patented' Au 5 SHEETS-SHEET 5 OSCAR P; OSTERGREN, OF

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO HARRY REIS, OF

WILMINGTON, DELAWARE.

AIRSHIP.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 8, 1911.

Application led March 7, 1911. Serial No. 612,803.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, OSCAR P. 'OSTERGREM a subject ofthe King of Sweden, residing at Brooklyn, in the county of Kings and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Airships, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in air ships, more particularly to an improved air ship of the aero lane ty e which combines in its utility t at of tle hydroplane, the object of the invention therefore being to provide improvements of this character which may be propelled through the air or on the Water, which may alight in the water and rise from the water as desired.

A further object is to provide an improved construction and arrangement of planes which operate with equal eiliciency to support the ship in the airor to support it on the water.

A further object is to so shape the planes as to tend to cause an automatic equilibrium permitting the center of gravity of the machine to'be placed comparatively low and affording a maximum of supporting surface, even when the ship is tilted, causing it to automatically right itself.

A further object is to provide amachine of this character which is ldesigned for carrying a number of passengers, with improved means which may be set to control the lifting capacity of the machine in accordance with the number of passengers.

. A further object is to provide improved steering. mechanism for a ship'of this character whichV may be utilized for steeri1 1,f: ;the machine in the -air or on the water.I

With' these and other objects in view, the invention consists in certain novel features of construction and'combinations and arrangements of parts, as Will be more fully hereinafter described and pointed outin the claims.

is a view in side elevation illustrating my improvements. Fig. 2, is a top plan View. Fig. 3, is a front elevation. Fig. 4, is a rear elevation. Fig. 5, is a view in section on the,V

Fig. 6, is a fragmentary line 5 5 of Fig. l.

view on an enlarged scale in longitudinal sectlon through the center of the main planes, and Fig. 7, is a diagrammatic view illustrating the position of the machine showlng its center of gravity and an angle the machine assumes relative to the horizon.

My improved air ship comprises a foreand-aft frame 1, which comprises a plurality lof longitudinal rods strengthened by horizontal and diagonal braces 2. To lthe forward end of this fore-and-aft frame, my improved main planes 3 and 4 are secured. This machine is of the biplane type, the upper plane 3 extending in an approximate horizontal line, while the lower plane 4 is of a peculiar shape which will be hereinafter described. These planes are connected throughout by vertical and diagonal braces 5 and the fore-and-aft frame l is connected to the transverse frame formed. by these braces 5 by`means of braces 6, as clearly shown in Fig. 2, so as to render the connection a strong and durable one.

By reference particularly to Figs. 3 and 6, the shape of my improved lower plane 4;' is best seen. Thisplane, like all the other planes of the machine, comprises two thick? nesses of canvas strengthened b ribs and stays, but the intermediate portion of this plane 4 dipsl downward as. shown at 7, A7,

providing a central hydroplane 8 adapted to lioat upon the Water. This hydroplane 8 sor comprises an air chamber which is renderedf air tight by treatingthe canvas with shellac, tar, or other suitable material, and is held open by suitable lstaysor braces 9. This hydroplane mustebe of suiiicient buoyancy to support the forward heavier portion. of the machine O n the water. The rear end Of the machine is supported on the water by means of a hydroplane l0, which is secured to the rear end of the fore-and-aft frame. It will be noted that these hydroplanes 8 and incline downwardly from front to In the accompanying drawings: Figurel,

rear.. This insures lthe forward ends of the planes projecting out of the water, so that if the speed yof the propellers be suliicient,

Athe machine will ride off ofthe surface of the water into the air.

lIt is to be understood that while I d1stinguish plane 10 and the cent-ral portion of the lower plane 4 by the term hydroplane because they operate to support the machine on the water, it is to be understood that these planes also perform the function of aeroplanes, as they, with considerable efficiency, support the machine on the air. In this central Ydepressed portion of the forward end of the machine, a plurality of seats 11 are located the central one being for the aviator, and the outside ones for passengers.

It is to be understood that the machine is notI limited to any particular number of seats for passengers, but three will illustrate the principles of the invention. To regulate the balance of the machine in accordance with the number of passengers, abalancing plane 12 is positioned horizontally and supported in a frame 13 projectingl above the rear end of the fore-and-aft frame 1. The idea of this plane is to regulate the lifting force at the rear end of the machine, so as to keep the machine on a horizontal keel foreand-aft. If the weight is heavier in front, it is desirable to change the angle of this plane 12, so that it will have less lifting force at the rear end, otherwise, the rear end of the machine would rise higher than the forward end, and tend to tilt.

Suitable means may be provided for locking this plane at various angles, and I have illustrated a simple means for that purpose which consists of a rod 14 connected to a crank arm 15 on the plane 12, and provided with three openings 16, any of which are adapted to receive a pin 17 on frame 1. This number of openings is supposed to illustrate the number of adjustments, as there are accommodations for three passengers, but this precise adjusting means is not essential, and I do not restrict my invention thereto.

In the center of the machine, atits forward end, a suitable engine 18 is located and drives propellers 19, the propellers being driven by the same engine in opposite directions, and one propeller positioned a quarter turn ahead of the other, so that the propellers may revolve in the closest possible proximity and obtain the maximum pressure on the air.

To steer the machine vertically, a horizontally positioned steering plane 20 is pivotally supported on a frame 21 at the rear end of frame 1 and may be controlled by various means. I have illustrated a simple mechanism for the purpose, which consists of a rod 22 which connects a crank arm 23 on plane 20 with a lever 24 located adjacent the aviators seat 11. To steer the machine horizontally, I provide at the rear and central portion of the fore-and-aft frame, a verticallyv positioned steering plane 25. This plane 25 is fixed to turn with a vertical shaft 26, the latter guided in a sleeve 27, which projects through the hydroplane 10. Onlhe lower end of this shaft 25, a fork 28 is secured, and in said fork a wheel 29 is mounted. rl`his wheel 29, together with wheels 30 supported in frames 31 at the forward end of the machine, serve to support the machine on the ground, and roll over the ground as the machine begins its Hight. The rear wheel 29, however, has the additional function of a rudder when the machine is on the water, because the movement of plane 25 gives a corresponding movement to the wheel 29, and the latter is therefore positioned at an angle in the water to steer the machine. In addition to this plane 25 for steering the machine horizontally or to left and right, vertical parallel planes 32 are pivotally supported on posts 33 at the forward end of the machine. These planes 32 are connected by a rod 34, which compels them to move in unison.

35, is an operating lever which is fulcrumed between its ends on a bracket 3G secured to one of the stays of the machine, and the lower handle end of this lever is located adjacent the aviators seat. The upper end of this lever 35 is connected by a rod 37 with a crank arm 38 on plane 25, and said rod 37 is also connected by a link 39 with a crank arm 40 on one of the planes 32. It will therefore be noted that when lever 35 is moved, the three planes 32, 32, and 25 will be simultaneously turned at an angle to steer the machine to right or left. The particular mechanism for simultaneously moving these planes may, of course, be varied without departing from the invention.

By constructing my improved machine on the lines illustrated and described, I believe I attain a maximum of automatic equilibrium by reason of -the fact that at all ordinary angles, the planes 'may assume, they will have a large bearing surface on the air, which tends to right the machine, and I am enabled to position the center of gravity low, as shown at 41 in the diagrammatic view Fig. 7. In this view, the line 42 represents the horizon, and the line 43 the normal line that the machine should assume. In full lines, the machine is shown at an angle such as it might' frequently assume, due to treacherous air currents.

Following the vertical line 44 through the center of gravity, it will be noted that that portion of the machine to the left or the lower portion, has an air support far in excess of that of the other side of the machine, thus tending to lift that side of the machine and right it. The shape of the lower plane 4 in the angle illustratedat 45, and the end illustrated at 46, grips onto the air andotends to throw this lower end upwardly. This angular relation of the planes with the horizon,l and their supporting qualities on-the Vto air permits the relatively low position of the center of gravity, which is desirable in a machine of this character. The several planes of the machine are preferably strengthened'by truss wires 47, and posts 48 as shown.

In operation, we will assume the machine to` be on the ground. lVhen the engine is started, the machine begins to move along the ground rolling upon the wheels- 29 and 30, until the propellers turn with sufficient force for the planes to ride on the air and lift .the machine. During the flight in the air, the machine is steered vertically andv horizontally by means of the-levers 35 and 24, and the plane12 is positioned at the proper angle in accordance with the number of passengers in the machine. If the machine alights on the water, the hydroplanes 8 and l0 will support the same, and if the speed of the propellers increase suiiciently, the machine will lift out of the water by reason of the incline of the hydroplanes. While in the water, the movementof lever 35 causes the wheel 29 to move angular-ly and act as a rudder for the machine,

Various slight changes might be made in the general form and arrangement of parts described wit-hout departing from my invention, and hence I do not limit myself to the precise details set forth, but consider myself at liberty to make such changes and alterations as fairly fall within the spirit'and scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. In a machine of the character described, the combination with a fore-and-aft frame, of upper and lower transverse planes at the forward end of said frame, said lower plane depressed at its intermediate port-ion, said depressed portion hollow and constituting a hydroplane, substantially as described.

2. In a machine ofthe character described,` the combination with a fore-and-aft frame, of upper and lower transverse planes at the forward end of said frame, and said lower plane depressed at its intermediate portion, saiddeprcssed portion hollow and constituting a hydroplane, said hydroplane vpositioned atan angle from front to rear with its forward end highest, substantially as described.

3. In a machine of the character described, the combination with a fore-and-aft frame, of "upper and lower transverse planes at the forward end of said frame, and said lower plane depressed at its intermediate portion, said depressed portion hollow and constituting a hydroplane, and a pivoted balancing plane at the rear end of said frame, substantially as described.

4. In a machine of the character described,

the combination with a fore-and-aft frame, of upper and lowerl transverse planes at the forward end of said frame, and said lower plane depressed at its intermediate portion, said depressed portion hollow and constituting a. hydroplane, said hydroplane positioned at an angle from front to rear with its forward end highest,and a pivoted balancing plane at the rear end ofsaid frame, substantially as described. y

5. In a machine of the character described, the combination with a fore-and-aft frame, of upper and lower transverse planes at the forward end of said frame, and s aid lower plane depressed at its intermediate portion and in a plane substantially parallel with the end portions of said lowerl pla-ne, a vertical shaft at theV rear end of the frame, a steering plane on said shaft, supporting wheels on the frontend of the frame, and a steering wheel secured on the lower end of said shaft and adapted to turn angularly therewith, substantially as described.

6. In a machine of the character dei scribed, the combination with a fore-and-aftV frame, of upper and lower transverse planes at the forward end of said frame, said lower plane depressed at its intermediate portion, said depressed portion hollow and constituting a hydroplane, a vertical shaft at the rear end of the frame, a steering plane on said shaft, supporting wheels on the front end of the frame, and a `steering wheel secured on the lower end of said shaft and adapted to turn angnlarly therewith, substantially as described.

7. In a machine of the character described, the combination with a fore-and-aft frame, of upper'and lower transverse planes at the forward end of lsaid frame, and said lower plane depressed at its intermediate portion, said'depressed portion hollow and constituting a hydroplane, said hydroplane positioned at an Aangle from front to rear with its forward end highest, a vertical shaft at the 'rear end of the frame, a steer ing plane on said shaft, supporting wheels on the front end of the frame, and a steering wheel secured on the lower lend of said shaft and adapted toy turn angularly therewith, substantiallyas described.`

8. In a machine of the character de? scribed, the combinationwith a fore-and-aft frame, of upper and lower Vtransverse planes at the forward end of said frame, and said lower plane depressed at its intermediate portion and in a plane substantially paral-l lel with the'end portions of said lower plane, and a pivoted balancing plane at vthe rear end of said frame, a vertical shaft a't the' rear end of the frame, a steering plane on said shaft, supporting wheels on the front end of the frame, and a steering wheelse,-

cured on the lower end of said shaft and adapted to turn angularly therewith, substantially as described.

9. In amachine of the character described, the combination with a fore-and-aft frame, of upper and lower transverse planes at the forward end of said frame, and said lower plane depressed at its intermediate portion, said depressed portion hollow and constituting a hydroplane, a pivoted balancing plane at the rear end of said frame, a vertical shaft at the rear end of the frame, a steering plane on said shaft, supporting wheels on the front end of the frame, and a steering wheel secured on the lower end of said shaft and adapted to turn angularly therewith, substantially as described.

10. In a machine of the character described, the combination with a fore-andaft frame, of upper and lower transverse planes at the forward end of said frame, and said lower plane depressed at its intermediate portion, said depressed portion hollow and constituting a hydroplane, said. hydroplane positioned at an angle from front to rear with its forward end highest, a pivoted balancing plane at the rear end of said frame, a verticalshaft at the rear end of the frame, a steering plane on said shaft, supporting wheels on the front end of the frame, and a steering wheel secured on the lower end of said shaft and adapted to turn angularly therewith, substantially as described.

11. In a machine of the character described, the combination with a foreand aft frame, of transverse planes secured to the forward end of said fore-and-aft frame, a transverse plane lixed to the rear end of said fore-andaft frame, a balancing plane supported above the upper portion of the fore-and-aft frame at its rear end, and means for locking said 'balancing plane at various angular positions relative to the frame, substantially as described.

12. In a machine of the character described, the combination with a fore-and-aft frame, of transverse planes secured to the forward end of said fore-and-aft frame, a transverse plane fixed to the rear end of said fore-and-aft frame, a balancing plane supported above the upper portion of the fore-an'd-aftframe at its rear end, a crank arm on said balancing plane, a rod connected to said crank arm and having a plu-,

rality of openings therein, and a pin on said frame'adapted to enter any of said openings, substantially as described.

13. In a flying machine, the combination with a fore-and-aft frame, transverse main planes secured to said frame at its forward end, diagonal stays and braces connecting said frame and planes, vertical rods connecting said planes, two vertically positioned steering planes on said last-mentioned rods, means connecting said steering planes to compel them to move together, a vertically positioned steering plane at the rear end of said frame, and means cooperatively connecting all of said steering planes compelling their' simultaneous operation, substantially as described.

111. In a flying machine, the combination with a fore-and-aft frame, transverse main planes secured to said frame at its forward end, diagonal stays and braces connecting said frame and planes, vertical rods connecting said planes, two vertically positioned steering planes on said last-mentioned rods, means connecting said steering planes to compel them to move together, a vertically positioned steering plane at the rear end of said frame, means coperatively connecting all of said steering planes compelling their simultaneous operation, a plurality of seats on the lower main plane, a horizontally positioned steering plane at the rear end of said frame, and means adjacent one of said seats for moving said planes, substantially I as described.

15. In a flying machine, the combination with a fore-and-aft frame, transverse main planes secured to said frame at its forward end, diagonal stays and braces connecting said frame and planes, vertical rods connecting said planes, two vertically positioned steering planes on said last-mentioned rods, means connecting said steering planes to compel them to move together, a vertically positioned steering plane at the rear end 0 said frame, means coperatively connecting all of said steering planes compelling their simultaneous operation, aplurality of seats on the lower main plane, a horizontally positioned steering plane at the rear end of said frame, means adjacent one of said seats for moving said planes, a pivoted balancing plane at the rear end of said fore-and-aft frame, and means for locking said balancing pla-ne at various angles in accordance with the number of passengers in the machine, substantially as described.

16. In a machine of the character described, the combination with a fore-andaft frame, an upper main plane secured on said fore-and-aft frame, extending in a horizontal line transversely, of a lower main plane positioned below the upper main plane, with its end portions and its intermediate portion positioned parallel with the upper plane, the intermediate portion being at a lower elevation than the end portions and in a plane substantially parallel with the end portions of said lower plane, and inclined portions connecting the two elevations of the lower plane, substantially as described. v

17. In a machine of the character described, the combination with a fore-and-aft frame, an upper main plane secured on said fore-and-aft frame, extending in a horizontal line transversely, of a lower main plane positioned below the upper main plane, with its end portions and its intermediate portion positioned parallel with the upper plane, the intermediate portion being at a lower elevation than the end vportions, inclined portions connecting the two elevations' of the lower plane, saidlowest wardly from front to rear and constituting a hollow air chamber, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

OSGAR P. OSTERGREN.

Witnesses:

ALMA M. .Osrsneimm JOHN F. GRAHAM- 

